Abstract: Rotating coalescer crankcase ventilation (CV) systems are described. The described CV systems utilize a pumping pressure created by the porous media of the rotating coalescer to maintain positive recirculation of filtered blowby gases through a potential leak gap between a static housing inlet and a spinning component of the rotating coalescer. In some arrangements, the porous media is fibrous media. The filter media may be pleated or non-pleated. The positive recirculation caused by the pressure balance prevents unfiltered blowby gases from bypassing the media of the rotating coalescer from the upstream side to the downstream side of the filter media through the gap. During operation, the pressure balance between the upstream side and downstream side of the filter media maintains the positive recirculation, which in turn maintains a high filtration efficiency.

Abstract: Various arrangements of a turbine for a rotating coalescer element of a crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine are described. In some arrangements, the turbine is an impulse turbine, which is also known as a pelton turbine or a turgo turbine. The turbine is used to convert hydraulic power from a stream of pressurized fluid to mechanical power that is used to drive the rotating element. The turbine includes a non-wetting surface (e.g., an oleophobic or hydrophobic surface) that repels the pressurized fluid. The non-wetting surface may be achieved through plasma coating, fluoropolymer coating, micro-topography features, and the like. The non-wetting surface increases the power transmission efficiency from the stream of pressurized fluid to the turbine, thereby increasing the rotational speed of the rotating element compared to wettable surfaced turbines, which in turn increases the efficiency of the rotating element.

Abstract: A solar-powered post light preferably designed to fit snugly within an outer end of a tubular member, such as a pipe. By being lit at nighttime hours, the light provides a guide to boaters at a boatlift while centering their boat, as well as providing light for various other nighttime conditions related to the water, as well as outside of a water environment. The light preferably provides for a “glow” effect, such that at whatever visible distance, the boater will know where the boat lift is located. An upper angled member of the guide light can be provided with a plurality of facet cuts which provide for prismatic reflection of sun rays for solar collection 180 degrees across a horizon.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator including a separator housing and a separator wheel revolving in the housing. The separator housing has an inlet for material, a coarse material outlet, and a fine material outlet. The wheel is formed by a drum and a wheel shaft, which supports the drum and rotates around a horizontal axis. The circumferential jacket surface of the drum is interrupted such that it sets the material to be separated, which hits the drum on the outer jacket side, into rotation during operation and the separation air flows through it in the radially inwards direction. The fine material outlet is arranged on the end of the drum and fine material is discharged from the interior of the drum into the fine material outlet via the free front face of the drum. The wheel shaft consists of two parts, which are not directly connected to one another in a supporting manner.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure produce a method and system for deasphalting a hydrocarbon feed. The hydrocarbon feed and a first solvent is combined using a Taylor-Couette mixer to form a mixed stream. The mixed stream and a second solvent are introduced to an extractor to produce a first deasphalted oil stream and a pitch stream. The first deasphalted oil stream is introduced to a solvent recovery unit to recover the first solvent and the second solvent via a recovered solvent stream and to produce a second deasphalted oil stream.

Abstract: A laundry machine includes first and second washing units including first and second tubs, respectively. First and second drums are mounted inside the first and second tubs, and first and second drive units drive rotations of the first and second drums around first and second rotational shafts, respectively. The second washing unit is arranged above the first washing unit and has a smaller laundry treating capacity than the first washing unit. The first rotational shaft is not parallel to the second rotational shaft. A first recess projects downward from a rear lower surface of the second tub and is configured to heat wash water in the second tub. A metal plate member is provided on an outside lower surface of the second tub, and partially extends to the rear of the second tub to expose a bottom surface of the first recess.

Abstract: A high-capacity juice extractor includes: a base; first and second supports which are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction, and are provided on the base; a first extracting member which is a hollow cylinder opened toward the second support, is positioned between the first support and the second support, is rotatably supported on the first support by an outer casing support shaft, and is formed with a plurality of outlet ports; a second extracting member which is rotatably supported on the second support by an inner casing support shaft which is eccentric to the outer casing support shaft, and is positioned in the first extracting member to be eccentric to the first extracting member; and a driving member configured to drive at least one of the first extracting member and the second extracting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil filtration system for off-line filtering of contaminated oil from diesel machinery (1), the oil filtration system comprising a system inlet (4) for receiving an inlet flow of contaminated oil from the diesel machinery (1), a system outlet (5) for releasing an outlet flow of filtered oil to the diesel machinery (1), an oil filtration unit which is in fluid communication with the system inlet (4) and the system outlet (5), the oil filtration unit comprising an oil filter (6) which is adapted to receive the contaminated oil and to release the filtered oil, a pumping unit (7) which is arranged upstream of the oil filtration unit, the pumping unit (7) being adapted to provide a flow of contaminated oil in a direction from the system inlet (4) to the oil filtration unit, a temperature sensor (13) for measuring an oil temperature, the temperature sensor (13) comprising a signal transmitter adapted to transmit a first electrical signal reflecting the measured oil temperature, a

Abstract: A rotating coalescer having an ejected coalesced liquid separating device is described. The separating device prevents re-entrainment of liquid into a stream of filtered gas. The rotating coalescer includes a rotating filter element or coalescing cone stack positioned within a rotating coalescer housing. The outer surface of the rotating filter element or the outlet of the coalescing cone stack is displaced from the inner surface of the rotating coalescer housing. The gap between the rotating filter element or the coalescing cone stack and the rotating coalescer housing allows for ejected coalesced liquid, such as oil, to accumulate on the inner surface of the rotating coalescer housing for drainage and allows for filtered gas, such as air, to exit through a clean gas outlet of the rotating coalescer housing.

Abstract: A laundry machine includes first and second washing units including first and second tubs, respectively. First and second drums are mounted inside the first and second tubs, and first and second drive units drive rotations of the first and second drums around first and second rotational shafts, respectively. The second washing unit is arranged above the first washing unit and has a smaller laundry treating capacity than the first washing unit. The first rotational shaft is not parallel to the second rotational shaft. A first recess projects downward from a rear lower surface of the second tub and is configured to heat wash water in the second tub. A metal plate member is provided on an outside lower surface of the second tub, and partially extends to the rear of the second tub to expose a bottom surface of the first recess.

Abstract: A separation system for separating solids from a slurry of waste material, the separation system comprising a housing, a drum assembly, and a drive assembly. The housing defines a collection chamber. Liquid within the collection chamber defines a liquid level. The drum assembly defines a perforated cylindrical wall and the drum assembly is supported such that at least a portion of the drum assembly is below the liquid level. The drive assembly rotates the drum assembly relative to the housing.

Abstract: A rotary separation apparatus is deployed in a process for separating resinous trichomes rich in flavoring, aromatic and/or medicinal components produced in plant trichome glands from unwanted plant matter. A liquid freezing agent is introduced into a container of the plant matter to fragment the undesirable matter while the desired portion rich in trichome remain intact.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.

Abstract: A system for collecting and shipping a sample of nucleic acid, the system comprising a receptacle, a removable cap for the receptacle having a breather port and sample connection port, and a filter column removably attached to the inside of the receptacle cap in fluid communication with the sample connection port and containing a substrate for collecting the nucleic acid. A sample collection container interlocks to the sample collection port. A shipping container, closeable by a lid, is configured to detach the filter column from the receptacle cap and contain the column for shipping. Methods for collecting samples using the system preferably include a dehydrating wash step, such as with ethanol, and placement of a dessicant in the shipping container, so that nucleic acid samples can be transported under ambient, non-climate-controlled conditions, with stability for at least up to 4 weeks, ideal for collecting samples from undeveloped regions.

Abstract: A double-action pusher centrifuge separates a mixture into solid cake and liquid. The pusher centrifuge includes a screen drum rotatable about an axis and in which a pusher base device is arranged to be movable along the axis of rotation. The solid cake is displaced by an outer ring region of the pusher base device. A plurality of axial passage openings are disposed in the outer ring region and connect front and rear regions of the screen drum. A feed unit is arranged at an inflow disk such that the mixture can be introduced via the feed unit and the inflow disk into empty space on the screen drum on displacement of the solid cake. An inflow gap applies the mixture into the empty space, and is between an inflow edge of the inflow disk and a pusher base plate of the pusher base device with an inflow region.

Abstract: A centrifuge (70) is provided with a cup (80) configured to house a blood bag system (10a) and centrifugally separates blood in the blood bag system (10a) by rotating the cup (80). The cup (80) has a segment holding section (86) capable of holding a plurality of segment tubes (44a), aligned in a parallel state by being folded at a sealing portion (44b) of an outlet-side tube (44), along a direction in which a centrifugal force acts during centrifugal processing or a direction inclined with respect to the direction in which the centrifugal force acts.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance includes a rotatable basket defining a treating chamber for receiving a load of laundry items for treatment, and an annular balance rings defining an annular chamber within, coupled with the basket for rotation therewith. The basket can further comprise a pair of walls comprising a perforated inner wrapper and an outer wall defining a space therebetween. The space fluidly couples to the annular chamber, permitting liquid to flow from the treating chamber, into the space and into the annular chamber to provide a restoring force to the system. The annular balance ring can further comprise a plurality of passages, fluidly coupling the treating chamber to the annular chamber.

Abstract: A method for transferring beads in a fluidic chip having an internal fluid circuit through which various reactants, including beads, may be moved by use of centrifugal force includes providing beads having a density equal to, or lower than, m1 in a section of the fluid circuit, where the section includes at least a first outlet. The method includes providing a first liquid medium having a density d2 to the section, such that d2>m1, and applying a centrifugal force such that the beads migrate in an opposite direction of the centrifugal force.

Abstract: A screen bar for a bar screen may comprise a steel composite sheet having at least three steel layers: a top layer, a core layer, and a bottom layer. The top, core, and bottom steel layers may be interconnected by roll cladding in a non-releasable manner. In some examples, the core steel layer may have a higher deformability than the top steel layer and the bottom steel layer. Likewise, the top steel layer and the bottom steel layer may have higher hardnesses than the core steel layer. Such screen bars have extended service life and can be manufactured more cost effectively, amongst other benefits. Methods for manufacturing such screen bars may involve a variety of steps including hot rolling and/or heat-treating.

Abstract: A decanter centrifuge for separating a supplied material in a light phase and a heavy phase comprising an elongate bowl arranged for rotation about its longitudinal axis, the bowl having a separation chamber with a circumferential wall, a screw conveyor being provided in the separation chamber and being coaxial with the bowl, the screw conveyor comprising a conveyor hub. The conveyor hub comprises a longitudinal tubular steel body part and a helical steel conveyor flight attached to the tubular steel body part. The conveyor hub further comprises an inner longitudinal body extending coaxially relative the longitudinal tubular steel body part. The inner longitudinal body is extending through at least a part of the tubular steel body and is made of a first material, such as carbon fiber reinforced epoxy, whose specific modulus is larger than specific modulus of the steel material of the tubular steel body part.

Abstract: A juice extraction module for a juicer is provided, which includes a container formed with a juice discharge port, a sieve positioned inside of the container, a screw positioned inside of the sieve to extract juice from a material, and a lid coupled to a top end of the container and formed with a input port through which the material is input. The juice extraction module includes a crushing portion formed on a top end of the screw to be narrowed upward, the crushing portion having a crushing blade formed thereon; and a crushing processing portion connected to the input port and formed in a bottom of the lid to be concave for accommodating the crushing portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to separate, enrich, and/or purify a cellular population from a biological tissue, such as a tissue sample. For example, an adipose tissue sample can be acquired and disrupted. The disrupted tissue sample can then be separated and purified. The separated components can include multipotent, pluripotent, or other cell populations.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of tendinopathies, such as tenosynovitis, tendinosis or tendinitis, including Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis or “tennis elbow,” medial epicondylitis or “golfer's elbow,” plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff tendinopathy, and in particular to methods for the treatment of tendinopathies by administering compositions comprising platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

Abstract: A filtration apparatus has a housing that has a main housing body and a base closure member. The base closure member is releasably attached to the main housing body, wherein the housing defines an enclosed space. A filter element is disposed in the enclosed space. The housing has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The base closure member has a peripheral channel extending about an entire periphery of the base closure member, wherein the peripheral channel is in communication with the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet of the housing. The base closure member has a fluid inlet passage and/or a fluid outlet passage communicating with the peripheral channel and communicating with the filter element.

Abstract: A cyclonic separation device comprises a cyclone chamber 11 having a cyclone axis A, a fluid outlet at one end of the cyclone chamber and a tubular apertured shroud 14 extending concentrically with the cyclone axis A. In use a motor 15 rotates the shroud 14 in the direction of a rotational airflow in the chamber 11 at a rotational speed which is over 1500 rpm and/or over 70% of the airflow speed around the shroud 14. The high speed of rotation of the shroud 14 is sufficient to dislodge any dust on the shroud by centrifugal action. Also, the high rotational speed of shroud 14 means that the air does not to need to decelerate to pass through the shroud 14 apertures and hence the risk of pressure drop and a loss of suction is avoided.

Abstract: A cyclonic separation device comprises a plurality of cyclonic separators fluidly arranged in parallel with each other, each cyclonic separator comprising a chamber 18 having a circular-section side wall 19, a fluid inlet 20 and a fluid outlet 21 disposed at one end of the cyclone chamber 18, and an opening at the second end of the cyclone chamber 18 through which separated matter passes out of the chamber for collection. The cyclonic separators are arranged in a rotatable body 17 such that their respective cyclone axes B are outwardly inclined relative to an axis A of rotation of the body 17 and such that the second end of each cyclone chamber 18 is disposed radially outwardly of its first end with respect to the axis A of rotation. A motor 15 rotates the body 17 about its axis A of rotation and so imparts a radially outward force on separated matter forced against the side wall 19 by the cyclonic action, the radial force serving to rapidly force the matter axially of the towards the opening.

Abstract: Provided is a removable grip device (1) for a pot for cooking food, said removable grip device (1) comprising a grip body (7), attachment means that can be connected to the cooking pot and disconnected therefrom, and an electrical energy source (6). The removable grip device (1) comprises an electromechanical device fed by the energy source (6) and suitable for actuating a mechanical device, and control means for controlling the operation and the shut-off of the electromechanical device.

Abstract: A centrifugal bowl comprises a base that can rotate about an axis of rotation. A filter sieve in the shape of a perforated peripheral side sieve wall extends from an open end to the base, and a plurality of vanes is disposed in a predominantly radial direction on the inner surface of the perforated peripheral side sieve wall.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.

Abstract: The current invention discloses a food-drying device that includes a container, a drying assembly having a plurality of bores, and a drive mechanism. The drying assembly is disposed in the container and is capable of being rotated relative to the container. The drive mechanism rotates the drying assembly relative to the container. The drive mechanism includes a reciprocating handle movable between a first position and a second position along a linear direction, and a conversion mechanism for converting reciprocating movement of the reciprocating handle to rotary motion of the drying assembly from force supplied by a user to actuate the reciprocating handle moving from the first position to the second position, and from force supplied by the user to actuate the reciprocating handle moving from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus has a housing that has a main housing body and a base closure member. The base closure member is releasably attached to the main housing body, wherein the housing defines an enclosed space. A filter element is disposed in the enclosed space. The housing has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The base closure member has a peripheral channel extending about an entire periphery of the base closure member, wherein the peripheral channel is in communication with the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet of the housing. The base closure member has a fluid inlet passage and/or a fluid outlet passage communicating with the peripheral channel and communicating with the filter element.

Abstract: A portable cooking oil filtering system comprises: a cart; a supply tank mounted on the cart; a pump mounted on the cart and configured to deliver cooking oil from a fryer to the supply tank; a centrifuge filter mounted on the cart and in fluid communication with the supply tank, such that the centrifuge filter receives the cooking oil from the supply tank, and then separates waste from the cooking oil; a sludge tank mounted on the cart and configured to receive the waste from the centrifuge filter; and a filtered oil tank mounted on the cart and configured to receive the cooking oil from the centrifuge filter.

Abstract: A system for purifying non-potable water to make said water potable includes an intake pump for bringing the non-potable water into the system. At least one centrifugal separator separates the non-potable water into suspended solids, saline water and oil. At least one ozone contact chamber injects ozone into a water stream being injected into at least one of the at least one of the centrifugal separators. A series of progressive filtration components are used for progressively filtering the saline water from the at least one centrifugal separator. The salinization filters then desalinate the progressively filtered saline water.

Abstract: A filter device disposed in a moist fluid passage of the fuel cell system includes a fluid introducing path which introduces a fluid that flows in the moist fluid passage, a filter to permeate the fluid introduced from the fluid introducing path and remove foreign matter in the fluid, a fluid discharge path which discharges a fluid that passed the filter, and a rotating driving mechanism, connected with the filter, that rotates the filter so that substances that adheres to the filter are removed by the centrifugal force. In the filter device, water does not adhere to and does not remain in the filter. When leaving the system under the low temperature after the system stops, blockage by freezing the filter can surely be prevented. The complex control and the heat source such as a heater for defrost is unnecessary. Thus, a cheap and compact filter device can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of liquid effluents laden with hydrocarbons, which comprises: feeding the effluents into a treatment tank; supplying the treatment tank with a reversible sorbent having a defined particle size; mixing the effluents with the reversible sorbent in the treatment tank in order to load said reversible sorbent with the hydrocarbons in the effluents; removing the hydrocarbon-laden reversible sorbent from the top of the treatment tank; extracting the treated effluents from the bottom of the treatment tank; and separating the hydrocarbons from the laden reversible sorbent from the treatment tank.

Abstract: Processing of a bulk liquid including particles, including use of a rotating strainer surface with openings disposed on a circumference thereof, the openings allowing an extracted liquid in the bulk liquid to pass through the strainer surface while preventing particles from passing through the strainer surface, such that a concentration of particles in the extracted liquid is less than in the bulk liquid; an extracted liquid outflow port which outputs the extracted liquid from an interior region of the rotating strainer surface; and a motor configured to rotate the strainer surface at a speed sufficient to generate a centrifugal force or turbulence at the openings sufficient to prevent the particles from clogging the openings, wherein the strainer surface is rotated and the extracted liquid is output through the extracted liquid outflow port when the strainer surface is fully submerged in the bulk liquid.

Abstract: Devices for controlling fluid flow, in particular microfluidic devices, are described, which exploit gas/liquid interfaces to control liquid flow in accordance with application requirements. Devices for on/off flow switching, centrifugal separation, mixing, metering and aliquoting are described.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample and mesenchymal stem cells from bone reaming material. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating minerals in drilling fluid based primarily on density. The separator creates and maintains a slurry with a controllable density for separating minerals from drill cuttings. The density is controlled through the use of an electrode array. The separator comprises a housing have a fluid inlet for the fluid mixture, at least one rotating disk having an electrode array positioned inside the housing to suspend a first material of the fluid mixture, and a mechanism configured to rotate the disk. A second and third material is separated from the fluid via use of the suspended first material.

Abstract: A separator device comprises a cylindrical separation chamber within which a motor-driven rotor is situated. The rotor has vanes. In operation, an inflowing mixture enters through an inlet and is subjected to centrifugal force imposed by the rotation of the rotor. A lighter liquid fraction leaves through an annular outlet, and a heavier liquid fraction leaves through an annular outlet. Solids pass through a screen to a region where rotational flow is reduced or absent. The solids in the region are fluidized by liquid passing through the screen, and are extracted from outlets. Control means is provided to control operation of the device in response to changes in the incoming mixture.

Abstract: A device for isolating a component of a multi-component composition. The device includes a housing, a chamber, and a withdrawal port. The chamber is rotatably mounted within the housing. The chamber includes a chamber base and a sidewall. The side wall extends from the chamber base. At least a portion of the sidewall is defined by a filter that permits passage of a first component of the multi-component composition out of the chamber through the filter and to the housing base. The filter restricts passage of a second component of the multi-component composition through the filter. The withdrawal port extends from a position proximate to the housing base to an exterior of the device. The withdrawal port permits the withdrawal of the first component from the housing base to an exterior of the device.

Abstract: Fluid filtration devices, systems and methods are disclosed. The device comprises a pump-filter hybrid system that uses rotational motion to produce pressure to drive liquid through filter elements, capturing filtrate in an isolated chamber of the device and rejecting separated solids into a second isolated chamber. The fluid filtration device, which can be configured to filter a wide variety of fluids, comprises: an influent input manifold; an impeller bowl and filter assembly configured to rotate about an axis; a barrier and muting configuration to catch and distribute filtrate; a barrier and routing configuration to catch and distribute rejected solids.

Abstract: The invention concerns a centrifugal filtering device for filtering a fluid. The device comprises a rotatable inner casing forming an inner space and a rotatable outer casing forming an outer space. The device further comprises a fluid inlet, at least one filter and drive means. The drive means is configured to rotate the inner casing to create a centrifugal pressure. The pressure forces a part of the fluid contained in the inner space through the filter and to a radially outer position of the outer space. The filtered fluid forms a filtrate, the filtrate having a kinetic energy. The outer casing is configured to transport the filtrate from the radially outer position to a radially inner position of the outer space, permitting transfer of the kinetic energy from the filtrate to the outer casing, thereby permitting regaining of mechanical energy.

Abstract: A basket for a horizontal centrifuge, the basket that has a frusto-conical body having a series of accelerator bars with each of the accelerator bars having a width greater than 20 mm.

Abstract: Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning sample material, in particular nucleic acids. The cleaning process takes place by means of centrifugal microfluidics and the invention provides a simple compact construction and a simple procedure. If necessary, the sample material is easily mixed with a solvent buffer and proteases in the device. The cleaned sample material is in particular transferred directly to a container. Separate containers for the removal of excess liquid are not required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

Abstract: A concentrator is used for concentrating a fluid, particularly a plasma component out of blood, for treatment of a patient. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing defining a centrifuge chamber, that also holds the filter. The concentrator allows viewing of the fluid after centrifuging, with an outlet port positionable at a height corresponding to the level of the fraction of the fluid to be further concentrated. Once the fluid is centrifuged, a portion of the fluid is drawn through the outlet, and then pressured past the filter to further concentrate the fluid using the same vessel as used for centrifuging. The same plunger is preferably used to draw centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge chamber as to pressure the centrifuged fluid past the filter.

Abstract: A screen assembly including at least upper and lower portions each with screen elements having different orientations. The upper portion includes a first plurality of screen elements and the lower portion includes a second plurality of screen elements. The upper and lower portions are coupled together to form a truncated conical arrangement. At least one screen element of the first plurality of screen elements has a different angular orientation relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis than at least one screen element of the second plurality of screen elements has relative to the plane. In some such embodiments, the screen elements of the second plurality of screen elements are each oriented to be in a respective plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The screen assembly may be configured to separate a liquid component and a solid component from a slurry.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating a fluid, with the apparatus including a rotatable drum having an inner drum wall and an outer drum wall disposed around the inner drum wall to define a separation passage therebetween. The apparatus also includes radial separator blades that are curved in a circumferential direction and are disposed in the separation passage of the drum, the radial separator blades extending radially at least partially between the inner drum wall and the outer drum wall. The apparatus further includes a first circumferential separator blade that is curved in a radial direction and is disposed in the separation passage of the drum, the first circumferential separator blade extending at least partially around the inner drum wall. The apparatus also includes a housing disposed around the drum and configured to receive a higher-density component of the fluid separated in the separation passage.